For a moment, Cecilia stared at her.
The change in her expression was subtle, but Maya caught it. A flicker of surprise passed through her eyes before something warmer and far more vulnerable took its place.
It wasn’t merely Maya giving her permission to see Jaime.
It was the words themselves.
You’re our grandmother.
Such a simple acknowledgment, spoken without ceremony or hesitation, yet it seemed to reach Cecilia more deeply than Maya had expected.
Her lips parted as though she wanted to respond, but no words came. Instead, the warmth in her eyes deepened, carrying an emotion she seemed determined to keep under control.
Maya understood.
And perhaps remembering Dahlia’s words from earlier, she decided not to let the moment become heavier than it needed to be.
Her smile grew a lit
